Some big bylines are heading for the door at the New York Times including TV writer Bill Carter and financial columnist Floyd Norris, but the company appears likely to fall short of its target of 100 buyouts.

“There were 53 requests as of 1 p.m.,” said Grant Glickson, the unit representatitve for the Newpaper Guild at the New York Times

He said he was also aware of 21 excluded employees that are applying for the voluntary buyout.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on December 1. Glickson said there are still a few last minute requests that may be coming in. “I might be the one that goes to 4:55,” said Glickson, a 27-year veteran of the Times who is leaning toward taking the buyout.

Carter did not return a call for comment from The Post but told the Huffington Post that the decision to leave after 25 years was a “wrenching and agonizing decision.” he said he has a book contract to write about the late night television wars but is also looking for another job.

While it appears that there a total of 74 voluntary buyout requests from the union and non-union ranks, Glickson said that some people applying will be denied. “They might have too many copy editors or too many from one particular group.”

Glickson also noted, “It’s a financial number, not a strict body count.”

It is believed the 100 represents about 7 percent of its 1,330 newsroom staff.